Daegoksa Temple (Uiseong)

About this place

Daegoksa is a Goryeo-period temple located on the eastern slope of Mt. Bibongsan (579 m). It was founded in 1368 (the 17th year of King Gongmin of Goryeo) by the royal preceptors Jigong Seonsa and Naong Seonsa. At its founding it was called Daeguksa (大國寺) to commemorate the Buddhist missionary work Jigong carried out through both Yuan China and Goryeo. However, given that a Bodhisattva statue from the Unified Silla period was excavated from the pagoda site at Daegoksa in 1960, it appears to have been established even earlier. Furthermore, the title of a poem by Yi Gyubo of the late Goryeo period mentions 'Daegoksa,' confirming that a temple of that name existed in the early-to-mid 13th century. Nine sub-temples were built on Bibongsan to promote Buddhism, and it was a large temple known for its patriotic Buddhist spirit that produced many disciples. The precinct contains the Daeungjeon and the Beomjonru (Bell Pavilion), both designated as treasures. The Joseon dynasty saw it affiliated with the Gyojong (Doctrinal Sect) under King Sejong (1418-1450). It was burned during the Jeongyu War of 1597 (the 30th year of King Seonjo) and rebuilt in 1605 (the 38th year of Seonjo) by the monk Tanwoo, who newly constructed the Daeungjeon, Beomjonru, and residences.